Virtual Reality experience: Explore the oracle of Zeus

What was it like to consult the ancient Greek gods? What questions did people ask? What advice were they given?

Step back 2,500 years and experience what it was like for ordinary people and community leaders to ask their questions of the oracle of mighty Zeus at Dodona.

For centuries, ancient Greek men and women visited oracular sanctuaries – sacred sites where they could ask the gods to reveal secrets of the past, present and future. This experience brings to life the stories of several pilgrims as they visit the oracle of Zeus at Dodona in northwest Greece.

Dodona was said to be the oldest oracle in Greece and attracted people from across the ancient world, including those who were enslaved. Visitors to the oracle wrote their questions for Zeus on lead tablets, and received their answers through an oracular oak tree.

Inspired by the deeply personal questions that pilgrims asked at Dodona, the Virtual Reality Oracle offers the chance to:

Explore the oracle of Zeus, king of the gods

Discover the lives of the pilgrims that visited Dodona and hear their concerns first hand

Transform your understanding of the religion of the ancient Greeks

Take part in the oracular ritual for yourself – what would you ask Zeus?

There is no charge for this experience, but booking is essential. A visit to the oracle takes around 10 minutes. Users must be over 13 years old. A member of the VR team will be there to clean down the equipment and support you throughout the whole experience.

The event will take place in the Assyrian Gallery on the ground floor. You can find out more about accessibility at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on our website.

The Virtual Reality Oracle: An Immersive Experience of the Ancient Greek Oracle at Dodona is a collaboration between academics at the University of Bristol, the University of Bath, and King’s College London. The VR was created in collaboration with Friday Sundae Studios. The project is funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council.

You can find out more about Virtual Reality Oracle on their website.